Tummy Tuck with Umbilical and Ventral Hernia Repair

I have been wanting to add my photos here after perusing this site for many years. My youngest was a very large baby, which resulted in my belly having a 4" diastasis recti gap, umbilical hernia, and small ventral hernia. After researching and completing many different non-surgical options (physical therapy, diastasis recti exercises, core strengthening with tummy binder/ tape-- none of which helped close the gap. Although they did help me regain control of my abs!) I've decided to finally buck up and get this done for me!! I like to stay very active with boot camp workouts, horseback riding, running, yoga, etc, and my big "baby" belly makes me look 6 months pregnant even though I'm pretty fit everywhere else! The umbilical hernia often aches and isn't very safe either. I interviewed a few local plastic surgeons, and booked Dr. Barnthouse based on his reputation and results, especially his ability to provide a very flat tummy, discreet scar line, and natural looking belly button. It's almost 3 more days until the surgery, and my anxiety is building! Keeping busy by cleaning, organizing and getting maels prepped. My mom will be here to help with my 2 children (ages 6 and 11) and around the house for the next 2 weeks. So far, his staff has been very kind, reassuring and accommodating.

Surgery was rescheduled due to having a cold. It's now the night before so here are some before pics to reflect upon and hopefully motivate me through any difficulties in the healing process. I'm getting pretty nervous but my family is here to support me so feeling very grateful for that.

This was a lot more uncomfortable and painful than I expected. However they gave me some good pain meds to take home, and it does take the edge off. Can't stand upright and I'm using a walker to shuffle around a bit. There is intense pressure in my abdomen, and my doctor told me I could loosen the binder if needed. It's hard to take a deep breath at all. Been sleeping on and off in a recliner. Trying to get into bed with a bunch of pillows after the surgery was impossible for me. I needed a firmer surface like the recliner to support my back and offer more stability.
Both surgeons (one for hernia and one for abdominoplasty) who performed the said the surgery went well. My hernia wasn't as tricky as most, and my plastic surgeon certainly tightened things up so much that even breathing or not standing at a 45 degree is difficult! He said it could take about a week before I'm able to stand fully upright. Right now my backside just hurts from sitting on it all day, so I try to shuffle around the house often. I noticed after I go for a shuffle that my abdomen swells up, which increases the pressure. So uncomfortable today. Hoping tomorrow will be a bit better, I certainly can't wait to see my new belly button and how flat my belly may be... probably won't be able to see those for about a week!